BUSINESS & Achievement
AWA R DS
Wednesday, October 28, 6: 00pm Stephens Performing Arts Center
The Idaho State Journal and Southeast Idaho Business Journal would like to welcome you to our longest-running event, the 16th Annual Business and Achievement Awards. This event, like our other awards ceremonies, was created with our business community in mind. We hope to showcase the outstanding work our business community is doing for Southeast Idaho. Without the hard work of the men and women nominated for our Business and Achievement Awards, our communities would not be what they are today. As you scroll through these pages you will read about the more than 50 people who not only do great work in their place of business, but spend considerable amounts of time giving back to their community, making sure their employees are well taken care of and just being overall great citizens. The Award Ceremonies are set for the evening of October 28th at the prestigious Stephens Performing Arts Center. Our long time major partner, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho, has been incredible to work with as the planning for this event has come along. The Business and Achievement Awards would not be possible without the support of Farm Bureau Insurance, as well as our other partners: Portneuf Medical Center, Idaho State University Credit Union, Miracle Ear Audiology & Hearing Clinics and the Pocatello-Chubbuck and Blackfoot Chambers of Commerce. Please take the time to visit and thank these great partners. They, like the nominees you’ll read about in this section, are what make Southeast Idaho such a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Andy Pennington, publisher,
Idaho State Journal
Vanessa Grieve, editor,
Southeast Idaho Business Journal 2
Table of Contents Cr aig Barnes............................... 4 Brian Blad.................................... 4 Jake Chandler............................ 6 Rick Cheatum.............................. 6 Sanju Choudhury..................... 7 JD Christensen........................... 8 Joseph Christian....................... 8 Scott Conlin............................ 10 Dan Davis..................................... 10 Suzie Dickman.......................... 11 Rory & Jen Erchul.................. 11 Dana Facer.................................. 12 Ethan Fisher.............................. 12 Tim Forhan................................ 13 Charles Fults............................ 14 Richy Gaona.............................. 14 Scott Gardner......................... 15 David Gates................................ 15 Paul & Stacie Gebo.................. 16 Jennifer Greene........................ 16 Cory Hadley.............................. 18 Jeff Hampsten............................ 18 JD Hansen.................................... 19 Mary Harris..............................22 Cynthia Hill..............................22 Darcy Hochstr asser............23
Jeff Hough.................................. 23 Todd Johnson..........................24 Gail King.....................................24 Marsha Lamprecht............... 25 Burns Leavit............................... 25 Haydie Le Corbeiller.............26 Corey Lewis................................26 Arlo Luke..................................... 27 John Ney.......................................28 Thomas Ottaway.....................28 Dusti Ozburn............................30 R andy Palmer............................30 Penny Pink.................................. 31 Kory Price................................... 31 Fahim R ahim.............................. 32 Cr aig Rowland....................... 32 R andy Sidwell..........................34 Todd Stinger.............................34 Molly Swallow......................... 35 Andrea Todd............................. 35 Mario Torres............................36 Gina Underwood....................36 Adam Velasquez....................... 37 Ruth Whitworth................... 38 Brock Wilks...............................38 George Woodman.................. 39
Sponsored by
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Barnes Cr aig Barnes
chaperone for the past six years. Barnes has been a foster parent for nearly 20 years, is a foster parent teacher and trainer and is a “Who I Am Makes a Difference” promoter. Barnes believes life is fragile, family is everything, and great friends are essential. He believes life is an accumulation of choices and commitments, and he hopes his life reflects how much he cares. Some of his significant personal and professional accomplishments include having been married to his best friend for 23 years “and counting,” that he is a father of four children and a foster father to many more. When Barnes finished mortuary school, his goal was to manage a funeral home by age 30 and to own one by the time he was 40 years old. He became a funeral director at age 28 and owned a funeral home by age 38.
Craig Barnes is the co-owner of Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck. Barnes graduated from Marsh Valley High School and obtained associates degrees from Mt. Hood Community College and Ricks College (now Brigham Young UniversityIdaho) in funeral science and natural science, respectively. Barnes is a National Funeral Directors Association member and an Idaho Funeral Services Association member. He’s served on the Friends of the Cemetery Committee for more than 13 years. Barnes served on the Scout Committee Council and is a former Scout Master and Cub Master of the Boy Scouts of America. He’s been a Girls Camp
Blad Brian Blad
Brian Blad is the city of Pocatello mayor. He attended Ricks College (now Brigham Young University-Idaho) and Idaho State University. Blad serves on a number of boards and committees including the Bannock Development Corporation board of directors, Pocatello Development Authority, the ISU College of Technology Advisory Board, Regional Development Alliance, Bannock Transportation Planning Organization, ISU Veteran Student Services Center Board, the Association of Idaho Cities Board, Idaho Counties Risk Management Program Board and the Pocatello Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce Board. Blad is an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club, and he participates in a number of community activi-
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ties and events, including area fun runs and competitions. He serves on the Pocatello/Chubbuck Mayors’ Youth Advisory Council. Blad has earned Eagle Scout, is a lifetime member of the Blow-in-Blanket Association, the reigning Pocatello Dancing with the Stars champion and a fourtime Kiwanis pancake flipping champion. Some of his significant personal and professional accomplishments are being a husband and a father of four children, the past-president and vice president of national nonprofit Blow-in-Blanket Association and being the second vice president of Association of Idaho Cities. His personal philosophy is “When you see something that needs to be done, do it!”
Our Salute
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE 2015 NOMINEES FOR THE 16TH ANNUAL IDAHO STATE JOURNAL BUSINESS AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Pocatello | Idaho Falls | Meridian | Twin Falls
Chandler Jake Chandler
personal risk and investment to launch the business. The business now employs 40 people and is growing rapidly. This year, LiveFree was listed No. 285 on Inc. 500’s fastest growing businesses in the country. As the business experiences growth, Chandler’s immediate goals are to expand to employ 150 people within the next 12 months. The growing business has kept him busy, but in the past three years he’s been a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. Chandler’s nominator said some of his personal philosophies are to help others and work hard. He also believes strongly in following the admonitions of Christ to serve those in need. “If someone asks, you give,” he said.
Jake Chandler is the chief executive officer of LiveFree Emergency Response in Pocatello. The local manufacturer started a couple of years ago. LiveFree makes and sells panic pendants — or medical alert buttons — for the elderly. The Pocatello resident graduated from Highland High School in 2001 and attended Snow College. Chandler said he’s inspired by his father, Gary Chandler, and his father’s business partner, Richard Lewis. They’ve also mentored him and provided guidance on the importance of surrounding himself with good influences. When the business first opened, financing was difficult to secure. He ended up taking on
Cheatum Rick Cheatum
Partners For Prosperity advisory board. In the past, he’s served as the Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Foundation president, Region 5 Wildlife Feeding Committee member and chairman, Bannock County Republican Party treasurer and Pocatello Advertising Federation president. Cheatum teaches the Junior Achievement Classes at Pocatello High School. He was awarded the Southeast Idaho Volunteer of the Year for Idaho Fish and Game in 2006 and 2008. Some of his significant personal accomplishments include being married to his wife, Debra, for 24 years, being the National Predator Hunters Association 2014 Convention Rifle Contest Champion, and the Honda Northwest Zone Small Market Top Salesperson for four years. His personal philosophy is to “never make a promise you can’t keep and keep every promise you make.”
Rick Cheatum is the Business Development Manager for ISU Credit Union. He earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Kansas. He is a member of the Credit Union National Association Marketing and Business Development Council, and the CUNA Lending Council. In the community, Cheatum is a member of the Pocatello Chiefs, Pocatello Trap Club, the Welcome Back Orange and Black and Celebrate Idaho State committees. He also belongs to the Gate City Sport Shooting Association, and is a life member of the Pocatello Field Archers. He is the Valley Pride director and serves on the 6
Choudhury Sanju Choudhury
Rotary Club. He now owns JeevesAds, a digital advertising company that boasts that it is “East Idaho’s affordable indoor digital signage network.” Born in India, he very confident in working for both countries because of his extensive knowledge in the field of sales and marketing. He is also very fluent with several languages and dialects to help understand the system and the culture of business relationships in India.
After 24 years of direct sales and marketing experience in diverse industries including consumer products and services in the United States and India, Sanju Choudhury has been praised for his superior customer service and public relations skills. He has also been noted for his unique ability to build rapport with and positively influence customers with excellent public speaking talent. He is the former owner/operator of the Marhaba and Taste Of India restaurants in Pocatello, and is also a board member of the Human Rights Council. He supports the American Cancer Society and is a past-president of the Centennial
Congratulations to all the nominees! Proud supporters of the 2015 Business & Achievement Awards
130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID (208) 785-0510 7
www.blackfootchamber.org
Christensen JD Christensen
was actually doing the plumbing jobs from start to finish. He studied to earn his own Plumbing State Contractor’s license. He decided it was time to show Pocatello and the surrounding area his artistic capabilities and unsurpassed quality in the plumbing service. He prides himself on quality work that is done right the first time, being inexpensive but not cheap, he says, and showing up or calling back when he says he will. JD believes in working hard, being reliable and being honest. He has a well-stocked truck and has most parts on hand for any basic plumbing repair. No job is too small, and at Platinum Plumbing, he believes in taking care of homes as if they were his own. “His work ethic is remarkable,” wrote Melinda Gudmunson in her nomination letter. “He is honest and fair.”
Platinum Plumbing at 1388 Cottage in Pocatello opened in July 2007. Owner JD Christensen has been a licensed journeyman plumber for 10 years and has been involved in the plumbing industry almost his entire life. He attended Idaho State University College of Technology, where he earned his journeyman’s license. He apprenticed under Rob Jensen of 3rd Generation Plumbing for six years. JD decided to conduct work framing houses and excavating, and was interested to learn the entire process of home building from the ground up. He was serving as the youngest Idaho State Plumbing Inspector when he realized his passion
Christian Joseph HowertonChristian
Some of his significant personal and professional accomplishments include working, playing football, and juggling school and work to graduate from Highland in 2014. After being sworn into the Navy in January, HowertonChristian graduated from boot camp in March. His nominator said Howerton-Christian lives a life of serving others, and it shows by his career choice. He’s been influenced by his father, Rod Howerton, grandfathers and uncle Jason Palmer. His future goals are to build a family, become part of the Navy Special Forces and serve in the Navy for 20 years.
Joseph Howerton-Christian, a graduate of Highland High School, is an aviation ordnanceman in the U.S. Navy. Howerton-Christian has joined Relay for Life teams and volunteered time with the Idaho Fish & Game. He played baseball and football throughout his childhood, and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Howerton-Christian began working at age 16 and became a lead cashier while working at Smith’s Food & Drug. While there, he was awarded employee of the month. He’s also received awards for the sports he’s played. 8
PortMed.org
We’re Working Hard To Improve Our Community’s Good Health.
We can think about our community’s health in a couple of ways.
One consideration has to do with the physical health of the people
that live here. We’re proud to report that more of our friends and
neighbors are receiving advanced healthcare at Portneuf than
ever before.
We’re also happy to share the fact that the quality of our care has
never been better. Portneuf recently received recognition as a Level
II trauma center. In addition, our award winning and nationally
recognized cardiology, cardiac surgery, cancer, orthopedics,
general surgery, urology, rehabilitation and outpatient surgery
services continue to maintain their excellent standards.
Sustaining our community’s good health is also important. That’s why we partnered with Portneuf Health Trust in the creation of the new Portneuf Wellness Complex.
Our community’s financial health is also a vital statistic for us. Here, once again, Portneuf is a key leader employing 1,300 people. Of course there are also the taxes we pay, charitable contributions, and considerable time and money donated to ISU, Idaho’s premier healthcare educator, and much more. So when it comes to our community’s well-being you can see we’re working hard to sustain the long-term health of this wonderful place we call home.
Portneuf Medical Center is jointly owned with physicians
Conlin Scott Conlin
“To Protect and To Serve” is the motto of just about every police force in America, and the Chubbuck Police Department is no exception. That organization is made up of many dedicated personnel, including patrolman Scott Conlin, who joined the CPD in 2013 after graduating from Idaho State University’s law enforcement program. Conlin was sworn in on March 31, 2013, at Chubbuck City Council meeting, along with Kim Smith and Scott Sorenson. Officer Conlin, a native of Chubbuck and a graduate of Highland High School, was an Eagle Scout at age 13. When asked what feelings he had about his swearing-in ceremony, Conlin told the Journal, “I’m excited. I’ve always liked working with people and being able to help.” Conlin has been honored several times for service above and beyond the call of duty. Once, he and a fellow officer,
Shane Manning, helped retrieve a stolen bicycle that had been repainted. Then they spent hours restoring the original color. Another time he rescued a man trapped inside a burning automobile. When he responded to the vehicle fire, Conlin did everything he could for the victim. Lt. Bill Guiberson said Conlin immediately put LifeFlight on standby and sustained smokeinhalation himself while trying to protect Laddie McMaster. In a special letter of commendation, Guiberson said that while McMaster ultimately died from his injuries, Conlin’s actions allowed his family to be by his side when he passed. He received his CNA certificate when he was just 16. Conlin also served with the Aberdeen Police Department prior to coming to Chubbuck. As a certified nursing assistant, Conlin worked with mentally ill and dementia patients. He said that experience has helped him on patrol as well. His personal philosophy is to continue to help and serve people by enforcing the law. And he would someday like to become a police program instructor at ISU, as well as be the father of at least four children.
Davis Dan Davis
Dan Davis is the president and CEO of the Darkheart Adventure Company, which has operated for one year. Davis plans to graduate next spring from Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education, and he currently works at a Jacksons convenience store. Darkheart Adventure Company is dedicated to adventure through outdoor recreation, education, travel and sports. The nonprofit works with young adventurers at least once a week, enriches clients’ lives through a variety of “experiential activities that promote a sense of well-being, fulfillment, peacefulness and positive thinking.” Davis is a Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics trainer, an American Communication Associa-
tion member and is a past International Association for Safety, Quality and Environmental Management member. Davis works with the Darkheart Adventure Company’s Adventure Kitten Program youth group. The four tenets of the outdoor program are adventure, leadership, self-reliance and stewardship skills. The organization also has a Dark Angel Tree program, a 5-year-old holiday giving effort that provides families and children in the community with gifts, warm clothes, food and other items of need. Davis is influenced by naturalist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. He aspires to educate his clients on proper and professional outdoor recreational use and to cultivate a sense of stewardship for the land. Davis wants to inspire people to seek their dreams and personal goals, and to demonstrate that anything is possible when dreams are written down.
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Dickman Susan Dickman
Susan Dickman, special education instructor at Edahow Elementary School, has made a very big impression on many of her students and their families, including Holly Borgholthus and her 8-year old daughter. Borgholthus said, “I love that she takes the time to get to know all of her students and really loves and cares about them.” The mother added that Dickman has helped her little girl with her homework and has also made a big difference in the classroom assignments, as well as her confidence. “She just goes above and beyond to take care of her students and has really helped my daugh-
ter with her reading and writing.” Dickman has about six other pupils in her third-grade special ed class and Borgholthus said she has a vested interest in the success of all of them. “She is just so caring and patient with all of them,” she said. “I think she is an amazing person and teacher, and I believe she has done the same thing for so many other children before my daughter ever came along, too. But of course, this is expected, since Edahow is a very good school and all of the teachers are great.”
Erchul Rory & Jen Erchul
directors. Both serve on the Biggest Show in Idaho board of directors and are POW*MIA Rally and Connor Academy Charter School volunteers. Rory serves on the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust board of directors, the Old Town Design Committee, on the PoRory and Jen Erchul are the owners of E-Squared Creative, catello-Chubbuck School District 25 advisory board and is Chute Trainer, 208 and My Local Pocatello. Rory earned a an Edahow Elementary Watch D.O.G. liaison. bachelor’s degree in marketing/business management and Jennifer serves on the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of an associate arts degree. Jennifer earned bachelor’s degrees Commerce and the Pocatello Zoological Society, where she is president, and she is a PTO member. in clinical psychology and English. The Erchuls are Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Com- The Erchuls were named Pocatello-Chubbuck Chammerce Chamber Champions/Communications Commit- ber of Commerce 2014 Volunteers of the Year and 2014 tee members, and Jennifer currently serves as committee Business-Innovation-Growth competition winners for chairwoman. They were the 2015 Eastern Idaho BizFest their Chute Trainer. Some of their significant personal and professional accomplishments are serving in various capanel speakers. pacities throughout the community. Their nominator said Rory is a Leadership Pocatello participant. Jennifer is a Chamber Chief, and an Idaho State Univer- the Erchuls are as community-minded as they can be, in addition to building and operating a successful business. sity Business Technology Advisory Committee member. In the community, Rory serves as the Portneuf Green- Through their efforts, it’s evident they want the area to way Foundation president; Jennifer serves on the board of thrive, and they support small local businesses. 11
Facer Dana Facer
A longtime English, drama and speech teacher at American Falls High School, Dana Facer is a graduate of ISU with a Master’s in Theater. She has also been chosen as the American Falls Teacher of the Year in 2012-13 and 2014-15, and she led the Beavers to three consecutive drama championships (2011-12 and 2014). In addition, the 13-year teaching veteran is a member of the Idaho Educators Association, the National Speech and Debate Association and the Idaho Speech Arts Teachers Association. In her brief spare time, she sits on the Old Town Actors Studio Board of Directors and the American Falls Theatre Guild Board of Directors.
“I personally believe we can change the world one person at a time,” she said. “The reason I became — and continue to be — a teacher is that I believe our future generations make the world a better place. By truthfully and lovingly educating our students to become thinkers, problem solvers and responsible global citizens, we are making a change in the world. I know that my students, through speech, debate and theater, are gaining the skills that will one day help to make this world a better place.”
Fisher Ethan Fisher
Ethan Fisher is the owner of Stillwaters Acupunc- and moved back to Pocatello, he and his wife, ture & Chinese Herbal Clinic. Fisher earned his Courtney, had their first child. Master’s of Science in Oriental Medicine from Fisher said he was excited and scared about Emperor’s College as a Summa Cum Laude. He opening a unique business with complementary earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Ida- medical care. He wanted to serve the citizens of ho State University. his hometown and has had the opportunity to Fisher, a Pocatello native, serves on the Idaho treat thousands of patients dealing with back Board of Acupuncture. pain and headaches, to infertility and autoim In the community, Fisher has coached Port- mune diseases. He is lucky and blessed to share neuf Valley Soccer Club girls soccer and youth life with many of his patients. girls basketball. Fisher and Courtney have two daughters. Some of his significant personal and profes- His personal philosophy is: “Find a path with sional accomplishments include owning Stillwa- a heart. If one’s path in life has a heart, true hapters for the past 12 years. The year he graduated12 piness is easy to obtain.”
Forhan Tim Forhan
Tim Forhan is a Partner at Sanctuary Wealth Management, an independent, fee-based investment and advisory firm with clients in 12 states, based in Pocatello. Forhan holds a Series 7 License, a Bachelor of Science in engineering and an MBA from the University of Buffalo. He also sits on the Bannock County Development Association and is a founding member of the Regional Economic Development Corporation for eastern Idaho, or REDI. Forhan was born and raised in upstate New York. After earning an undergraduate degree and MBA in engineering, he spent more than 20 years as an executive in many large corporations. He brings a wealth of executive experience and corporate know-how to
any endeavor in which he takes part. He was also the the driving force behind the creation of REDI, and has been a regular financial and wealth management columnist for the Idaho State Journal for several years. According to fellow financial adviser Dan Cravens, Forhan has been described as a “team builder.” To form REDI, he recruited the best people he could find in Bingham, Bannock and Bonneville counties. He did not seek the limelight or take any credit for the months of planning it took to get this organization off the ground, despite the personal sacrifice on his part. His only desire is to provide better economic opportunity for eastern Idaho and to help the many people in this region who struggle every day. He has also been called a “peacemaker” in that he has worked hard to address the issues that existed between Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Blackfoot to help these communities have a better chance to prosper.
Not pictured are our 2 newest staff members: Mic ShepherdWilliams & Alyssum Rowland
With his second business nomination in 3 months and countless other awards under his belt the staff at J & Company are thrilled to congratulate their fearless leader J.D. Hansen.We invite everyone into our upscale COMFORTABLE salon & spa. Come and see why we are the #1 815 S. 1st Ave., Pocatello, ID 208-232-5045 Salon & Spa in Southeast Idaho. Check us out on
Fults CHARLES FULTS
Charles Fults, a machinist for Pumpco Water Systems, a position he has only held for threeplus months, is already making waves in the industry. Responsible for a variety of tasks, including welding and fabrication, Fults, a former chef at Mama Inez’s Mexican Restaurant, has thoroughly enjoyed his tenure at the American Falls company. “It’s wonderful doing what I am doing,” he said. “I am learning something new every day and my co-workers are just great people.” Born in California, but raised in Pocatello, he is a graduate of New Horizons High School and earned his Applied Associate’s degree as a Computerized
Machine Technician. He and his wife, Angela, have three children. Fults’ future goals include learning as much as he can on his current job and hopefully moving up to work on more complicated machines and systems.
Gaona Richy Gaona
Richy Gaona is the director of sales and assistant general manager for TownePlace Suites Pocatello-Marriott. Gaona earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Idaho State University. Gaona is a member of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce Leadership Pocatello program, is a Pocatello Rotary Club member and is a Greater Pocatello Lodging Association member. In the community, Gaona is a coach for the Gate City Grays, a member and performer through the Brindusa-Moore Ballet Academy
Nutcracker Committee, a member of the Legislature of the State of Idaho Development Organization and an affiliate and supporter for iSucceed Virtual High School. Gaona’s youth affiliations include being an Idaho High School Activities Association Youth Development partner, a Rotaract — a club for 18-30 year olds associated with Rotary International — a high school hospitality training and development coordinator, and youth training and development in high school sports.
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Gardner Scott Gardner
Master craftsmen never compromise. That’s why they are called “masters.” That goes double for Scott Gardner, the director of framing at the Gallows Art and Frame in Pocatello. Gardner, a frame designer, builder and gilder of 36 years, firmly believes that a frame must never compete with what lies within its four corners. So he takes into account the time period, style and intent of the artist in order to build a complementary frame. Gardner has framed hundreds of paintings for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ collection of art, which accounts for half
of the frames he’s built in his career. Gardner will also craft simple, less expensive frames for customers. But he’s made a name for himself by working with some of the most prominent fine art painters, such as Randall Lake, Earl Jones and Edie Roberson, among others. The Gallows is a family-owned and operated custom framing business at in Pocatello. The shop was first opened in June 1982 and did only custom framing at that time. Since then, Gallows has grown into an operation that not only has custom framing, but also is Pocatello’s destination for names such as Brighton, Vera Bradley, Trollbeads, Lampe Berger of Paris and Neighbor’s fresh coffee.
Gates David Gates
David Gates is the fire chief of the Pocatello Fire Department. Gates earned his Master’s of Business Administration from Idaho State University. He is an International Association of Fire Chiefs member, the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association president, District-5 Interoperability Governance Board chairman, Gateway Interagency Fire Front past-chairman, Idaho FirstNet and Idaho Public Safety Communications Steering Committee participant, an Idaho All Hazards Incident Management and Support Team member, Type 3 Incident Commander and the 2015 I Love ISU chairman. In the community, Gates is a Gate City Rotary Club member and a Bannock Civitan member. He’s been part of the I Love ISU Campaign
for 10 years and is a Leadership Pocatello graduate. Gates has been a host family for Rotary Youth Foreign Exchange. He was named Business Person of the Year in Public Service in 2013. Some of his significant personal and professional accomplishments include being Incident Commander for the Charlotte Fire and numerous other significant events, becoming Pocatello Fire Chief in 2013, being instrumental in creating a statewide emergency communications plan, raising $212K for the 2015 I Love ISU Campaign and reorganizing the Pocatello Fire Department to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency. He is a former Idaho State handball champion and Category II Bike Racer. His personal philosophy is “anything worth doing is worth doing well,” and he believes people should participate in life, not be just a spectator.
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Gebo
Paul & Stacie Gebo
Paul and Stacie Gebo own Ace Hardware and Element Outfitters in Pocatello and Ace Hardware in Ammon, and have a growing online store. They are part of Ace Retail Co-op. Paul has additionally served as the Southeast Idaho coordinator for Ace and as a buyer. The Gebos are Highland High School graduates. Paul earned a bachelor’s degree in outdoor science from Colorado State University. Stacie earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Idaho State University and a Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from University of Idaho. They support a number of community and youth activities through Ace and Element dona-
tions and facilities. They support many activities having emphasis on being outside, having fun and enjoying Southeast Idaho. They’ve supported the Wild Turkey Foundation, CW HOG fundraiser, Pocatello Pump and Pocatello Marathon, among others. Stacie is a Leadership Pocatello graduate and has served as the Pocatello Zoo Society board director. She’s helped with the Grizzly Exhibit Capital Campaign and Midsummer’s Night fundraisers. She’s received a zoo volunteer of the year award. Paul and Stacie volunteer for a number of their sons’ activities, including American Legion Baseball. Stacie was named the Idaho Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Choice Volunteer of the Year after helping raise $60,000 for the Edson Fichter Pond.
Greene Jennifer Greene
Jennifer Greene has been a second-grade teacher at Edahow Elementary School for seven years and has loved every minute of that experience. “I have enjoyed working with the amazing teachers there,” she said. “My philosophy in teaching centers around loving children first. I believe that a child who feels safe, accepted and loved is free to take risks and try new things. I love teaching children to explore what interests them. I enjoy giving them authentic experiences that create real passion for learning.” Greene graduated from Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma. Before her tenure at Edahow, she taught in Kansas and Tennessee.
Her husband, Buddy is the Pastor of Worship and Youth Minister at Rocky Mountain Ministries. The couple has two children. In addition to her work with children, she has supported the God’s Home of Compassion, and Compassion & Hope Pregnancy Center in Pocatello. She also volunteers in children’s church at Rocky Mountain Ministries.
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Hadley Cori Hadley
Cori Hadley is the executive director of the local chapter of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children. CASA is a network of 949 communitybased programs that recruit, train and support citizenvolunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. Volunteer advocates — empowered directly by the courts — offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care. Volunteers stay with children until they are placed in loving permanent homes. For many abused children, a CASA volunteer is the only constant adult presence in their lives. According to friend and co-worker Amy Welsh, Hadley has been with the organization
for more than 21 years. She began as a volunteer and worked her way up to executive director and spends countless hours of her own time working with the children in the program. “If a child in the program is in need of anything, Cori will make sure that they get what they need,” Welsh wrote in her nomination letter. “I do not know all of Cori’s awards and civic honors, simply because she is not the kind of person to brag or even let one know what kind of programs she is involved with. She gives from the heart and is truly one of the people in our community that should be recognized for her genuine kindness and compassion for the children in our community.” Hadley added, “I feel so blessed as an employee of the CASA program for many reasons. I love being able to give back to our community, but also to work with such dedicated, compassionate people.”
Hampsten Jeff Hampsten
Jeff Hampsten is president and operations director of Idaho Hyperbaric Inc. in Pocatello. Hampsten also owns H&H Dive and Travel, and is a staff instructor for Idaho State University. Hampsten is a Certified Hyperbaric and Wound Specialist, and Certified Hyperbaric Specialist. Early on, Hampsten earned a certification in diesel mechanics from Idaho State University. That was followed by various certifications and licenses in medical emergency response, diving instruction, and hyperbaric and wound healing. During the past 40 years, Hampsten has owned a number of businesses, which has given him the opportunity to teach a diverse group of people the skills
and knowledge they need to perform their jobs. Hampsten served in the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard. Hampsten is a member of the National Association of Underwater Instructors, Handicapped Scuba Association, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society, The American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and The American Professional Wound Care Association, among others. Hampsten has volunteered his time assisting in water and underwater rescue efforts in Idaho and Utah. He’s worked with the Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group (CW HOG) and has given numerous presentations at local schools and state associations. Hampsten has received awards from Idaho State University, the Mayor’s Committee and CW HOG for his contributions.
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Hansen JD Hansen
After graduating from the School of Hairstyling and Cosmetology in Chubbuck in 2007, JD Hansen has seen his career in this field go through the roof. As the owner and stylist at J & Co., a JD Hansen Salon in Pocatello, he has seen the new business take off. Hansen is an internationally trained stylist who specializes in lash and hair extension, chemical services, shellac, pedicures, acrylic, colors and cuts, and head-to-toe waxing and massage. Originally from Blackfoot, he has made a niche for his services, and his shop is a reflection of that. Before that, he worked at the Strand Salon and Day Spa, and brought his expertise to
many community events such as the First Friday Art Walk and Muse For Men. Friends describe him as a wonderful person with a natural talent for the job. “I have seen his career progress, and I have been just amazed,” said Dee Wilson, a classmate at SHC. “The way he treats customers is the way he treats everyone around him, with care and respect.” She added that visiting there is a really great experience and she likes to frequent the establishment as often as possible. “I am always greeted very nice and always offered something,” she said. “It’s a wonderful place to be.”
A special thanks to the community for the past 16 incredible years. Also to my staff for their expertise and commitment, and my husband Jeremy for his support. Our dancers are currently placing at large national events due to supportive parents, an amazing facility, the best staff in Southeast Idaho and the amazing talented students we have the privilege to instruct each week. I am humbled and honored to be nominated for this award!
ACE Hardware Readers’ Choice Winner 7 years straight!
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Harris Mary Harris
Mary Harris is a third-grade teacher at Connor Academy in Chubbuck. She’s been teaching for 24 years and is a Connor Academy Charter School founder. Harris earned her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University. Harris is a volunteer with youth and high school activities and sports, including Chubbuck Softball, Idaho Impact and Century High School. She believes every child needs to know they are safe and loved. With those elements, accelerated learning can take place. She values kindness and respect for all students and wants to inspire her students to be lifelong learners, good citizens and
productive members of society. Harris has been nominated for the Inspirational Teacher Award multiple times. She is a Harbor certified and Spalding certified teacher. She is also an accreditation validator for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. And she serves on the Curriculum Development Committee and is a mentor teacher. Her nominator said Harris is “patient, kind, gracious, enthusiastic, understanding, sympathetic, supportive, caring and an altogether amazing example for not only her students, but everyone around her, myself included.” Each year, Harris has her third-graders memorize the poem “What Have We Done Today?” She said the poem helps them learn how the efforts they put forth today will help them in the future.
Hill
Cynthia Hill
Cynthia Hill is the executive director of the Idaho State University Student Success Center, a professor in the Department of Economics and the University Retention Liaison for the Idaho State Board of Education. Hill graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics from the University of Montana, and she earned a doctorate in economics from Washington State University. In the past, Hill has served as interim director and director for ISU’s Center for Teaching and Learning, as director of ISU’s University Honors Program, as a board member for the Gateway Habitat for Humanity, and as the coordinator for
the Reading is Leading book drive. Hill has received numerous professional awards and honors, including ISU’s Distinguished Public Servant Award, twice received ISU’s Master Public Servant Award, Master Teacher Award, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Idaho Professor of the Year and a number of funded proposals. She’s co-authored three economics books and has published numerous times. Hill currently serves on the Idaho State Civic Symphony Board of Directors, Pocatello Development Authority Commission, SBOE Remedial Transformation Task Force and as a university representative for Complete College Idaho. She’s served on numerous university and state committees and panels.
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Hochstrasser Darcy Hochstr asser
Darcy Hochstrasser is an insurance coordinator with Dentistry For Kids in Pocatello. She has a son, loves playing softball and being outdoors and attended Highland High School. She is probably best known, however, as the co-founder (along with Brandon Ege, Ashley Linton and Lucas Berg) of We Play To Live, a local charity organization dedicated to helping cancer patients. In 2012, a group of softball teammates started We Play To Live; a nonprofit group to help local individuals and families who are affected by some form of cancer. Although they are a small group, they have been fortunate to help a different family in the Pocatello area for the last four years. By hosting an annual softball event in August, a
dodgeball tournament and participating in the local Secret Santa program, the group has raised thousands of dollars for families dealing with the hardships associated with a cancer diagnosis. So far, four families have been aided by this cause. More than 30 teams from all over the state participated in this year’s affair. The origin of the tournament came about when Hochstrasser met a player on her co-ed team whose wife suffered from the disease. They thought that a softball exhibition with an open invite to area teams might help raise funds to offset some of the costs of treatment and transportation. Just a few weeks ago, the tournament had grown to the point where it was able to present a $10,000 check to the family of 10-year old Trenton Hopkins of Inkom. “To be a part of something like this is so amazing and almost indescribable,” Hochstrasser said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to do what they enjoy and to help someone at the same time is just wonderful. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”
Hough Jeff Hough
Jeff Hough is the director of Continuing Education and Workforce Training at Idaho State University and is currently working on his master’s degree. According to the ISU website, “part digital native, part digital immigrant, he enjoys all things digital and thinks the Internet is the greatest invention since sliced bread. When not directing the efforts of the gang at Workforce Training, he can be found studying Internet marketing, leadership and cooking.” While a long ways from being a master chef, Hough knows and understands Internet marketing because he lives and breathes it every day at
work. He practices his leadership every day on the basketball court as a basketball coach for Century High School. He has lived in five states (Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Ohio) and has climbed Mt. Hood and Mt. McKinley. In his occupational duties, he oversees the development and delivery of non-credit continuing education and workforce development programs that provide skill-enhancement training and education. In addition, he leads a staff of 12 people in enrollment management, budget management, program expansion and development. He also spearheads marketing efforts (inbound marketing, email marketing, newspaper advertising, etc.), corporate sales, grant applications, faculty recruitment and community outreach.
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Johnson
Todd Johnson
Todd Johnson is the director of the Veteran Student Services Center at Idaho State University, a position he has held for almost two years. In this capacity, he is responsible for career counseling, disability services, counseling and tutorial programs, and student aid and military benefits, among others. This is fitting because he served as an airborne infantryman in the U.S. Army from 1981-1985 and earned his Master’s of Counseling from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 2002. During his his tenure at ISU, Johnson has obtained $27,000 in external funding; worked with a local breeder to obtain a facility animal for vet-
erans on campus; combined department needs with student class needs and established the annual Military Veterans Week on the ISU campus. He also continues to ensure favorable promotion of Idaho State as a military-friendly school by maintaining endorsements, establishing participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program and maintaining ties to community organizations. “His leadership, community outreach, program development and knowledge of higher education have made this community a better place in which to live.”
King Gail King
Gail King, program director of the College of Massage Therapy at Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot, has dedicated many years to make sure her patients have the best quality care she and her co-workers can give. King was recently appointed by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter to sit on the Idaho State Massage Therapy Licensing Board. She said she was honored to receive this appointment and looks forward to serving on the board. “Gail injects her teaching with energy and makes teaching look easy,” said Rex Burch, IT Business Analyst at the College of Idaho. “She is both a leader and a friend to her students. She provides each student the education and experience they need to be exceptional — either on their own or as part of a team. Gail is a true professional and runs a first-class College of Massage Therapy.”
The College of Massage Therapy is an independent, accredited program that operates and trains at Bingham Memorial Hospital, working with patients and requiring a 20-hour internship at the hospital for each student. The college also provides $25, one-hour massages to the public every Friday and Saturday to help students learn their discipline. “In the coming years, we will see more and more hospitals look at massage therapy as a companion to traditional medicine,” King told a reporter for Reuters several years ago. “Massage therapy enhances healing, reduces anxiety and stress, and generally contributes to a feeling of health and wellness. It is a natural complement to medical care while providing an ideal learning environment for the students. We are able to provide a service many patients would not pursue on their own, but can make such a difference in healing and feeling healthy.” 24
Lamprecht Marsha Lamprecht
Marsha Lamprecht has been the owner of the Fifth Street Bagelry at 559 S. Fifth Ave. for the past 19 years. Her nomination is the culmination of hard work, sacrifice and service that has made the venue the go-to place for those seeking some of the best bagels west of New York City. Its convenient location also makes it very popular with the students and faculty at Idaho State University. The store is well-known for its selection of homemade bagels, sandwiches, pastries, cookies and cakes. Lamprecht wanted a healthy place for people to eat. And to many, a sandwich on a bagel is amazing. The store features a fireplace, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and colorful paintings
add color and light in the seating area. Students can settle into overstuffed furniture and take advantage of the free wireless Internet, while diners enjoy the famous fresh-baked bagels, homemade soup and specialty coffees. In addition, breakfast is served all day, and the shop features daily lunch specials as well as flavored cream cheese and sandwiches. It’s something she has taken pride in since she became involved with the business. Lamprecht also received recognition on the Notables List, which highlights individuals who have become worthy of attention or notice in their local communities either through career success, demonstration of a high level of personal integrity, worthwhile volunteer contributions or other considerations.
Leavitt Burns Leavitt
A Brigham Young University-Idaho and Idaho State University graduate, military veteran and CEO/owner of Taurus Natural Salt Idaho and Devere Trucking, Burns Leavitt has earned his nomination through years of dedication and hard work. He opened his first computer store in Pocatello in the early 1990s and was instrumental in introducing people and teaching them how to use emails and the Internet. He was successful in this endeavor because of his dedication to his customers and their needs. Later, he left the area only to return and bring back Whisper Creek Log Homes with him. After the market dropped and Whisper Creek closed, however, he ventured out on his own and started Taurus Natural Salt Idaho, through which he has been very successful in procuring government contracts. He also recently began
another small company, Devere Trucking. Leavitt is dedicated to small business in Pocatello and is always looking for local ways and means to expand his enterprises. Thus he is constantly trying to improve his businesses. One of these ways is to make his companies fit their customers. He finds this beneficial in quick growth possibilities. Leavitt is always open to new ideas and is always trying to improve his products and services. He is also a member of the the Pocatello/Chubbuck Greater Chamber of Commerce, a former Rotarian, a corporate sponsor of the Highland High School Marching Band, a corporate sponsor of the Children’s Miracle Network and a Boy Scout leader. An auto accident several years ago affected Leavitt and his teenage son, but neither were seriously injured and both have fully recovered. Leavitt enjoys spending time with his family and contributing to his community as best he can.
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Le Corbeiller Haydie Le Corbeiller
Dr. Suzanne Hayden “Haydie” Le Corbeiller directs Idaho State University’s Peer Tutoring Programs: the Math Center, the Writing Center, Content Area Tutoring and English for Speakers of Other Languages. She received a Bachelor of Arts in history from ISU in 1993 and then moved into ISU’s English Department, where she completed her doctorate. She has taught freshman composition and literature for the English Department, as well as College Learning Strategies for the Center for Teaching and Learning. She also facilitates a series of GRE preparation workshops each term. An avid reader, Le Corbeiller is a fan of such
writers as Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Gaskell, Jane Austen and William Shakespeare. She is also an active part of the community of Pocatello.
Lewis Corey Lewis
Lighthouse Preschool and Child Care Center is an in-home quality childcare center. The owner, Corey Lewis, and staff are both licensed and hold degrees in child development. They provide a full day preschool program daily. They participate in the USDA food program and provide full- and part-time care and give discounts to families with more than one child. The Lighthouse Preschool is a childcare and early childhood education facility and is open from Monday through Friday, serving the children’s needs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The school offers full-time care and education in a safe, secure, nurturing and stimulating environment, suitable
for children’s growth and development. Lewis earned her degree in early childhood development from Idaho State University in 2007. Lewis’ story goes far beyond what she does in the classroom, however. A deeply personal tragedy several years ago took the life of her young son, Nathan, but a silver lining emerged when that boy’s organs helped save and make life easier for several others. For a mother who lost her youngest son, Lewis was remarkably strong as she talked about the loss and the gifts Nathan has given to others. She has gained strength since and continues to serve and teach the children in her charge. Coping with such a horrible loss is gut-wrenching, but Lewis’ dedication and love for her students gives her the motivation to go on and make a difference in their lives.
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Luke Arlo Luke
As Varsity Facility Service’s Chairman of the Board, Arlo Luke advises the president/CEO and other Varsity leaders. He also oversees two subsidiary companies, Nuvek (a software company) and System 1 (a minority janitorial company). Additionally, Arlo represents Varsity as one of seven owners of NSA — an industryleading buying group. Luke has served the facility service industry for more than 54 years. He served three different board terms, and on several committees for the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), and served as its president in 1997. He is active in ISSA (The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association) and gives direction and support in the partnership between ISSA and BSCAI. He has been a BSCAI Certi-
fied Building Service Executive (CBSE) for most of his career and is presently a life CBSE member. Through the relationships he developed, he was instrumental in Varsity’s significant growth from 1992-2005. He was with Don Aslett in Varsity’s early formative years and played a major role in the company’s expansion. He has been a champion of Varsity’s unique culture, serving as president and CEO for 28 years. Luke was named Idaho State’s Businessman of the Year in 2008 and is a life-long scouter. He received the Boy Scout’s highest ranking of Silver Beaver and was inducted into the Boy Scout’s Grand Teton Hall of Fame. He has made community service a priority throughout his career serving on several boards and leading multiple community service projects. In 2008, he also received the Joy Morrison Community Award.
Thank You for 19 great years of Business!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MOLLY SWALLOW!
Nominated in the category of Volunteer of the Year for the 16th Annual Southeast Idaho Business & Achievement Awards! Molly Swallow
615 S. 1st Ave 232-1644
AVP Branch Manager S. Pocatello Branch 208-234-0993
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www.portneufvalleybrewing.com
Ney John Ney
Pocatello’s John Ney is an associate marketing professor and the director of Professional Development at Idaho State University’s College of Business. He earned his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. Ney served as the senior manager of Customer Operations and Marketing for the startup cellphone company Syringa Wireless LLC from 2007 to 2012. He has extensive experience in the telecommunications industry and provides private consulting in areas of marketing and management. Ney has been an Old Town Pocatello Inc. board member since 2007, and an I Love ISU faculty/staff fundraising committee member since 2014. Ney is
a former Rotarian and a Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Service board member, serving as president in 2009. He’s served as Project HOPE chairman and is an Old Town Neighborhood Association past-president. Ney has coached local youth baseball and basketball since 2006, and has served as the Holy Spirit School basketball tournament co-director since 2009. His nominator said Ney has helped grow the COB’s Professional Development program, which helps place students in internships with top employers in Idaho and across the United States. Ney’s was nominated for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars distinguished member for teaching in 2014. Ney and his wife, Laura, are fourth-generation Idahoans.
Ottaway Thomas Ottaway
Thomas Ottaway is the current dean and professor of informatics for the College of Business at Idaho State University, as well as a recipient of the Beta Gamma Sigma Outstanding Teaching Award, 1996-1997. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Wichita State University and his master’s and Ph.D. at Texas Tech. In his work on the “Impact Of Color In the E-commerce marketing of Fashions,” he wrote: “As the number of Internet purchases of fashion items increases, the problem of inaccurate color representation on the Web becomes more significant. Color inaccuracy has many negative consequences for marketers, including
loss of sales, increased returns and complaints, and customer defections. “This research reports the findings of a survey conducted as part of an initial investigation into consumer opinions about fashion merchandise purchasing over the Internet. Results indicate that companies are losing customers and sales as a result of having colors on e‐commerce sites that do not accurately represent the actual colors of the products being sold.” In his nomination application, a friend and co-worker wrote: “Dean Ottaway’s leadership of the College of Business has been characterized by his transparency. He is a visionary with respect to positioning the College to best serve the state and the local community. He has worked hard to increase interaction between the College of Business and the local business community.”
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Ozburn Dusti Ozburn
Dusti Ozburn is a kindergarten teacher at Grace Lutheran School. She began working with children in 1996 at Grace Lutheran Early Childhood Center while attending Idaho State University. She graduated from ISU with a bachelor’s degree in education. Ozburn has worked in the lives of hundred of families through her efforts as a teacher to increase the depth of children’s education. She was nicknamed Mary Poppins because she is good with the children in her class. Ozburn has taught at Grace since 2002. She helps mentor teachers and has been an instructional leader. Her nominator said she excels in
her craft. In the community, Ozburn has organized fundraisers and teaches Sunday school at her church. She’s helped organize and promote fundraisers for a friend’s son who had a heart transplant, and for one of her students with cancer. Ozburn is a wife and a mother of two daughters and one son. Being a teacher is a rewarding profession, and she believes in helping children to succeed by having fun.
Palmer R andy Palmer
Randy Palmer is the owner of I-Tech Solutions, a computer company he started in Pocatello. One of his many clients includes Tooth Town Dentistry For Kids, where Debi Swanson works. She was so impressed with Palmer’s professional attitude and results, she went to the trouble of nominating him for this honor. “He is just an IT wizard,” Swanson said. “He maintains our computer and information systems very well. “In addition, he has also helped us tremendously with our software and other needs, and has taken it upon himself to help us in any way he can. A lot of times he takes the extra step of
making sure we really understand the systems. He often goes above and beyond, and has saved us a great deal of time and money.” Swanson also says that Palmer is a very nice person, as well as very caring and concerned. “He is a very professional and unassuming person and nice to work with,” she said.
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Pink Penny Pink
“The amount of work needed was unbelievable,” Pink said. As Portneuf Valley Brewing’s presence in the market grew, so did the staff that was required to keep things running smoothly. In October 2005, the PVB opened the pub to the public, serving wine and the full range of PVB brews by the glass, as well as craft-brewed sodas. The fall of 2006 saw PVB become a fully operational brewpub, offering food and beer. After 25 years of brewing, Pink and her staff have the system down to a science. She has also become a huge part of Pocatello, contributing to many local charities, as well as offering presentations such as “The History of Brewing in Pocatello.
Portneuf Valley Brewing Co. poured its first beer for public consumption in July 1996. Owner and Brew Mistress Penny Pink has been brewing fine beers for the enjoyment of her family and friends for many years. After eight years of working at the Idaho National Lab, Penny decided to pursue her interests closer to home. It took years of hard work, but in the summer of 2002, PVB began full production operations at its current location on South First Ave. Once the brewery was set up and functioning, work began on the rest of the main floor of the building to create a comfortable atmosphere for the pub.
Price Kory Price
new year — said people often start trying to stick to whole foods, begin exercising six times a week and do a variety of other things that people tell them to try all at once. He knows of what he speaks. Price, at the tenKory Price, general manager of Gold’s Gym at 1800 der age of 25, was sought out by the Gold’s Gym FranFlandro Dr., Suite 200, in Pocatello, told the Idaho chise Association Advertising and Marketing ComState Journal in 2013 that many people are eager to mittee, and managed to purchase the gym in 2012. improve their overall health at the start of the year. But In addition, he is an active member of the Interthey sometimes go about it too aggressively and, as a national Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association result, often give up. (IHRSA) and also is the general manager of the Gold’s “Everybody — when the new year comes — wants Gym in Idaho Falls. He travels back and forth between a new start and to have the best year possible,” he said the two facilities on a weekly basis. He is currently deat the time. But they often try to change too much veloping a Speed School training boot camp for chiltoo fast. “They are so motivated in January that they dren to help them achieve better results in whatever want to change every aspect of their life and make it a sport they choose to participate. fitness-oriented life. But on average they have 35 years “You are capable of great things,” he said. “It’s not of bad habits (to overcome).” until you realize it that great things start happening. Price — who typically sees a 30 to 40 percent in- Life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how crease in membership at Gold’s Gym at the start of the you react.” 31
Rahim Fahim R ahim
Dr. Fahim Rahim’s life is marked by service to the community and his fellow man. This spring, he led a large on-the-ground relief effort following an earthquake in Nepal. He is founder and board chairman of the philanthropic nonprofit JRM Foundation for Humanity. Dr. Rahim is a founding member and chairman of 3iSessions (an entrepreneur adviser network), Idaho’s Hometown Hero Medal, and is a founding member of Hike4Humanity and Idaho Kidney Institute. He is a managing partner for the Idaho Kidney Institute, Idaho Kidney Consultants and director of the Idaho Kidney Centers in Pocatello and Blackfoot.
In 2011, Dr. Rahim received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and he has received national recognition for his work and humanitarian efforts. Dr. Rahim has also received an Overachievers Under 40 award. His personal philosophy is “Service to Humanity is a rent you pay to have room in this universe,” a quote by Mohammad Ali. Some of his significant personal accomplishments include leading one of the largest privately funded international medical and disaster relief efforts in Nepal after this year’s earthquake, and his accomplishments in mountain biking. He placed in the top 40 percent in the Leadville 100. Dr. Rahim’s motivations come from experiences growing up in a small Pakistani town, which taught the values of personal engagement and involvement.
Rowland Cr aig Rowland
The mission statement of the Bingham County Sheriff ’s Office reads, “It’s our commitment to provide professional law enforcement services to all citizens of Bingham County through a trained, motivated, and focused work force of men and women dedicated to public service.” The face behind these words is Sheriff Craig Rowland, who was first elected to the position in 2010 after many years experience as a law enforcement officer. One aspect of Rowland the public may not know about is his personal efforts to make a difference in the lives of those serving sentences in the Bingham County Jail. He practices a form of
tough love and has found that many people who become criminals do so in part because they have not developed a good work ethic. Using crews from the jail, he helps to provide labor to the residents of the county. Often, for the first time in their lives, the inmates begin to understand the boost in self-esteem that comes from an honest day’s work. This realization has often been the springboard for them to make better life choices, such as going back to school or seeking full-time employment.
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Congratulations to all the nominees FROM YOuR HeaRing HealtHcaRe teaM
Front: Dr. Alisa Vineyard Au.D., Jim Williams ACA Back: Brenda Bates B.S. HIS, Dan Tyler ACA, Ryan Neider HIS, Barry Finlay ACA, BC-HIS, Nichole Wilkinson HIT, Lori Pincock HIS
237-5322 2350 Via Caporatti Pocatello (just before Hospital Way)
Preston 852-0363 655 S. 4th, Ste 107
Montpelier 332-3566 868 Washington St.
miracle-ear-pocatello.com
Soda Springs 332-3566 152 S. Main, Ste B
Sidwell R andy Sidwell
Randy C. Sidwell, a physical therapist and athletic trainer, is the chief executive officer of Advanced Performance Physical Therapy in Pocatello. Sidwell is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, National Athletic Trainer Association, Portneuf Medical Center’s Sports Medicine Institute, and past-president of the Rocky Mountain Surgery Center Association. In the community he is a member of Rotary International and was a mentor of the SouthEast Idaho Community Action Agency’s youth mentoring program. Sidwell is also as Scoutmaster and Cubmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.
He’s received the Eagle Scout Mentor Pin multiple time. Some of his significant personal and professional accomplishments include winning racquetball championships and cycling events, being the co-owner of Advanced Performance Physical Therapy and the owner of Advanced Investing. Sidwell’s personal philosophy is to give 100 percent of his focus and ability to the people he serves by treating everyone with the utmost respect and dignity, and by maintaining personal and professional integrity. His nominator said that Sidwell is a giving person and does a lot for many people. His goal is to provide the highest quality patient care possible, to continue to grow his business, to supply jobs for people in the community and to mentor those who work with and for him.
Stinger Todd Stinger
“I have referred many people who have had automotive repair needs to Todd and have had no negative feedback,” wrote Jack Stone in his nomination application. “These folks have expressed 100 percent satisTodd Stinger, owner/CEO of Todd’s Automotive and faction in the quality, courtesy and price of service. I Performance in Chubbuck, has been nominated as have always been and continue to be amazed at Todd’s much for his community involvement as his expertise ability to diagnose the complicated electronic systems in the automotive industry. He has owned the auto on today’s automobiles. He is never too busy to pershop since 1999 and employs about eight mechanics sonally suggest what he thinks is best for my family’s and other staff. Stinger graduated from the ISU Col- vehicles, even if he may not end up being the benefilege of Technology and has also earned Master Tech- ciary. I highly recommend Todd and his business to nician honors from various automotive affiliations. any and all who have automotive needs.” He is also an established recreational vehicle and For his part, Stinger adds, “I enjoy doing a very all-terrain vehicle performance technician, and teach- good and honest job for my customers. I also enjoy es his craft to the youths of this community. Stinger is interacting with them to help educate on problems involved with the Boy Scouts, as well as the National and maintenance to their vehicles so they have a betHonor Society. And he was a recent recipient of a ter understanding as to how their vehicles work. This “Speaking On Business” award. way they can watch for future events and problems.” 34
Swallow Molly Swallow
“As a Commercial Loan Officer I am a trusted advisor to business owners and individuals,” wrote Molly Swallow on her LinkedIn page. “I provide financial advice and solutions to clients with lending and banking needs. Fifteen years in the financial industry has led to valuable partnerships in several industries. Building strong relationships with clients, prospects and partners are important.” Her specialties include commercial lending, leasing, deposits, cash management and commercial real estate, and lines of credit, term loans, SBA lending, business acquisitions, nonprofit deposits, networking and relationship manage-
ment, and payment solutions, banking solutions, new construction, business strategy and coaching, among others. But her efforts outside of the bank have also drawn attention. Swallow, a graduate of Blackfoot High School and Idaho State University, volunteers for many organizations. These include being a Leadership Pocatello Facilitator and serving with the Utah Nonprofits Association, Gate City Rotary Club, the Pocatello Chiefs, Biggest Show In Idaho, United Way, I Love ISU and the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District Festival Of Trees. “She has been very successful in her career, but has also given back to the community all while raising two beautiful daughters,” wrote friend Sheena Smith in her nomination application letter.
Todd Andrea Todd
Andrea Todd is the current marketing and advertising director of the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Events Center and has been involved in TCG-Idaho, the Bonneville County Republican Women, Bonneville County Republican Central Committee, Idaho Falls Arts Council and many other organizations. In her current capacity, Todd is responsible for the development of marketing programs. Most recently, she has focused on hotel marketing to increase awareness of amenities offered in addition to efforts, designed to increase occupancy rates. She works with vendors who provide marketing support, photography and printing servic-
es. With fiscal responsibility in mind, she began to review, annually, all existing vendor contracts and analyze for the best use of resources based on cost and focusing on quality. Todd also assists the director of sales and marketing with the creation and implementation of effective sales programs and advertising campaigns, makes decisions regarding marketing materials and collateral for campaigns designed to reach sales, advertising and marketing goals. In addition, she provides market analysis including local and regional competition and information regarding bookings and promotions at other local and regional hotels.
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Torres Mario Torres
served in Africa, Southeast Asia, Afghanistan and Iraq during Iraqi Freedom. He spent six years in Okinawa, Japan, before becoming a recruiter. The Pocatello resident is a member of Leadership Pocatello and has been a dog trainer for the Bannock Humane Society Canine Companions for three years. Torres is a former ISU men’s club soccer coach, and has served on the Portneuf Valley Soccer Club board and also coached. A couple of his significant personal accomplishments are being a father of two and being Cable ONE’s top sales representative in the first quarter for fiber sales. Torres cares about the future of the United States and its children. He aspires to become a high school teacher to make a daily impact in the lives of children. He’s inspired by his father, who is a retired police officer, by numerous military comrades and mentors, and even his soccer team that helps keep him grounded.
Mario Torres served in the United States Air Force for 12 years and is a business account executive for Cable ONE. He believes that tough days don’t last — tough people do. Torres holds three associates degrees and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education at Idaho State University. While serving in the Air Force, Torres received 14 medals, including the Achievement Medal, the Commendation Medal and three combat operation medals. He’s received the mayor’s letter of appreciation. Torres coaches the American Falls High School girls varsity soccer team. In the Air Force, Torres became a staff sergeant and
Underwood Gina Underwood
Gina Underwood has a lot of hats to wear. As the founder, owner, director and teacher of the Dance Factory Dance Studio in Pocatello, she is constantly busy trying to perfect her students and her craft. Underwood was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and found her love for the arts in the small town of Elkhorn. Her teacher then was Renae Boscoe, who gave her a solid foundation in ballet, jazz, tap, acro and clogging. Boscoe instilled a true love of dance in Underwood and when she moved to Pocatello, the love stayed with her. From there she danced with many local studios, including Marius Zirra, Pawnie Van Orden, Emily Yost and Teresa Gregson, among others. She also attended many local workshops and others in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. And she received many dance scholarships
to grow her talents even more. At the age of 13, Underwood began choreographing and teaching for Pawnie Van Orden and Emily Yost. From there, Underwood’s passion for choreography and teaching grew, and she went on to teach and rent space at Studio 7 from Sandy Francis. She began her studio at the age of 18 on North Arthur Avenue in a small one-room storage building. The passion grew and so did the studio, going from 55 students the first season to 125 by the very next season. People could see that she truly loved the arts and her students, and wanted them to grow to their highest potential. Twelve years, two studios and three different locations later, the passion is still strong as Underwood was able to fulfill her dream of customizing her very own dance facility and installing true professional dance flooring and large rooms during the 2009-2010 dance season.
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Velaxquez Adam Velasquez
Just what is an executive banking relationship manager? Well, many may not have heard of the title, but at Zions Bank, Adam Velasquez answers that question quite completely when asked. “The Executive Banking program is a relationship management service designed to respect your time and save you money,” he wrote on his LinkedIn page. “Executive Banking is provided at no cost for those who qualify by virtue of their net worth and income. I offer personal lending services that are tailored and personally expedite Zions credit services to your needs, including revolving lines of credit, real estate loans, installment loans and more. “I also offer a full banking experience; from your children’s savings accounts to the mortgage on your home or business. I am a trusted advisor making sound recommen-
dations with financial options that specifically benefit my clients. I currently service new and existing clients in Pocatello, Blackfoot, Burley, Twin Falls, Gooding and Montpelier along with surrounding communities.” As a personal banker, Velasquez is responsible for accurately identifying and addressing clients’ needs by providing a variety of services. These include opening new accounts, servicing all consumer loans, including real estate loans, maintaining existing accounts and conducting wire transfers. He has experience in diffusing potential problems related to customer service, making outbound sales calls to clients and non-clients in efforts to increase deposits and deepen customer relationships. But lest one think that it’s all work and number crunching for this 1999 Pocatello High School graduate (who earned his Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Idaho State University in 2011), he was also an accomplished wrestler for the Indians and has used that skill since then by occasionally serving as an official during local matches.
Thank you
to my staff and to the great people of Pocatello for their many years of patronage. 559 S. 5th Street 235-1311 Fax: 235-4679
5thstreetbagelry.com
Whitworth Ruth Whitworth
Ruth Whitworth is the city of Pocatello clerk. Whitworth earned her associate’s degree in secretarial occupations/legal specialty from Idaho State University. She is a certified municipal clerk by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and is an Idaho certified municipal clerk by the Idaho City Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officers Association. She is a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the Idaho City Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officers Association and the Association of Idaho Cities. She has served as first and second director and secretary for the ICCTFOA president. In that post, she created
workshop training sessions for annual conferences. Her personal philosophy is to be not afraid to go out on a limb. “That is where the fruits are,” she wrote. “I like to challenge myself to step out and try new things.” Some of her personal and significant accomplishments are implementing digital recordings of City Council meetings and electronic recordkeeping for official city of Pocatello documents. Whitworth also implemented iPad use for Pocatello City Council meeting agendas with attachments — also posted to the city’s website for citizens to access. She also instigated the placement of Pocatello City Election Sunshine Reporting Forms on the city’s Website.
Wilks Brock Wilks
Brock Wilks is the co-owner and a funeral direc- NFDA. He’s also been a recipient of the Idaho State Journal Readers’ Choice awards for four tor at Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck. Wilks graduated from Highland High School consecutive years. and attended Idaho State University. He earned Some of his significant personal and profesa degree in Mortuary Science from Arapahoe sional accomplishments are building up and establishing a funeral service with a focus on cusCommunity College. He is a member of the National Funeral Direc- tomer service. tors Association, Idaho Funeral Service Associa- Losing a loved one is one of the hardest situation, International Cemetery, Cremation and Fu- tions a person can experience and Wilks believes neral Association and the Pocatello-Chubbuck it’s important to be attentive to details and sensitive to what families are experiencing. One of his Chamber of Commerce. He’s been part of the Boys Scouts of America. goals is to be the top provider of funeral services Wilks has received Certified Crematory Op- in the community and to continue to grow. erator Certification and Designation from the 38
Woodman George Woodman
George “Woody” Woodman is a retired Senior Master Sergeant with 24 years of service in the United States Air Force. This Pocatellan is often found serving at a variety of events in Pocatello, including second Friday get-togethers at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building on North Johnson. Woodman’s nominator said Woodman and his wife, Cindy, organize fundraising events that bring military veterans and the community together. Woodman served in a variety of assignments in the Air Force, including food service specialist, aircraft maintenance crew chief, dining hall
facilities manager and a number of superintendent positions. He’s received numerous awards and honors, including four Meritorious Service medals, two Air Force Commendation medals, two Air Force Achievement medals and the Southwest Asia Medal, with one Campaign Device. Woodman currently serves as Pocatello’s American Legion Post 4 and District 6 commander, and as a 6th District Judicial Veterans Court mentor team leader. Woodman’s nominator said Woodman’s life is dedicated to serving veterans in need. He spends his spare time helping with various activities at the State Veterans Home in Pocatello, the annual Field of Heroes memorial and homeless veterans, and working to improve the community of Pocatello.
Congratulations to all the nominees!
FA R M BU R E AU F I F T H A N N UA L
FREE TO VETERANS, CURRENT ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES | 10:30 AM TO 1:00 PM AT FARM BUREAU, 275 TIERRA VISTA DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID | FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (208) 239-4448 OR EMAIL APETERSEN@IDFBINS.COM THANK YOU VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
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